Tell a friend: Before you head out, especially if you are hiking alone, make sure to tell a friend or family member where you are going, when you are leaving, and around the time you plan on returning. Indiana Jones would have gotten into far less trouble if he had simply told a friend of his plans!
Check out a map: Maps, hard copies or digital, are important especially if you have never hiked a particular area before. Maps will not only tell you direction, but can also inform you of elevation changes and topography which allows you to know if a particular trail is too difficult or not.
Use a compass or GPS: A GPS or compass can be helpful too. If you are simply going on a short hike where there are lots of foot traffic and signs, it might not be as necessary. But if you are hiking through a remote area, these tools can help you stay on the right path.
Eat before you go: Many of us are trying to lose weight, which means cutting calories. However, hiking often causes us to exert more energy than we realize. If you fail to eat, or eat enough before you go out for your hike, you may lack the energy to have an enjoyable time, or you could get sick along the way. Choose a healthy, but high energy, food that will help sustain you along the way.
Keep healthy snacks: Make sure to bring a snack with you as you are hiking, especially if you are going to be gone for a few hours. Nuts, low-sugar granola bars, and dried fruit can provide a great healthy boost when you are in the middle of your journey.
Drink water: Staying hydrated is crucial no matter what activity you are doing, but with hiking it's especially important. Overexertion, the heat, and other factors increase your need for water. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle or fit your backpack with a hydration bladder that you can access throughout your hike. It should also be mentioned that rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes are not good sources of drinking water unless you have an appropriate filtration device. So, make sure to bring enough H2O!
appropriate filtration device. So, make sure to bring enough H2O!
Avoid eating the berries: Sometimes we are tempted to pretend that we are western settlers that are going to live off the land while on a 45-minute hike outside of the city! The problem is that some of those colorful berries, mushrooms, and other blooms can make you sick. So, unless you know what you are doing, stick with the snacks that you bring with you. At the same time, avoid harmful plants like poison ivy which can lead to serious problems.
Apply sunscreen: Especially if you are hiking in the summer months, the sun can bring more than heat. Make sure to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation by wearing enough sunscreen on your arms, neck, ears, and other exposed areas. Likewise, wearing a